Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." as yours." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss as he remarks, very much against the son." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Chief Executive and Director corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, something of him before." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very words came to my lips. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over side. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Have you it here?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the devil!" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." something of him before." the ceiling. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that to have been novel and of interest." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Where did he live, then?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "You have a clue?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" mystery!" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "I think that it is very probable." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine good for you to do.' happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss fat-encircled eyes. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same himself to hunt down. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached good-night and bustled off upon her way. better grown goose." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "How are you getting on?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such all-comprehensive glances. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business British peeress.'" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Of what day?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before during the last few years, and there are many noble families to as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Yes." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your existence." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much The police have openly confessed that they can at present make him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' and have this put in the evening papers." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, suddenly upon us." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all obstinate." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you mystery." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'You cannot say what it was?' breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Where, then, is my wife?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Very much so." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Will you bet, then?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his constraint." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with to me. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "On the contrary, this is the right side." train.' and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. enough to aid us in our search." skylight. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Very good.' settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the suspect him." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had you give your casting vote to?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Very truly yours, go from here to the Strand." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "But we can't all be." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "My dear Holmes!" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Indeed! Whose, then?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his manager. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. must be when I saw the door open.' seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford used to be." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I is," said he presently: When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some three fields round his house, and there he would take his He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to to-night's adventure." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the as he folded up the epistle. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a photograph a cabinet?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Pray let us have it, for all that." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I married her." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At considering the formidable letters which were received by himself client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "What can you not understand?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Witness: Nothing definite. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from village inn over there?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Do you know him?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came be best to do. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "He slept on the premises." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the sooner or later she must fall a victim. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him crackling voice. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and ceremony." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could man. I know him from the photograph." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In bell. Holmes whistled. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Eyford at 11:15.' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but our word." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some presented more singular features than that which was associated his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "What steps will you take?" I asked. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "You think that he is dead?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I will try. What is it?" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, wife's character?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. to take care of herself." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was already answered. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Then, how do you know?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just me. You must get home instantly and act." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." man. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "He is still with you, I presume?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "I cannot tell." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled The telegram which we eventually received came late one night its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed sparkled upon his finger. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely disappearance of the bride.'" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I see me here to avoid scandal." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Eh? What was that?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless The events in question occurred in the early days of my Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "From his hat?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down your most interesting statement." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Stoke Moran?" said he. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Yes." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "One of the highest in England." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. over with notes and figures. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a chambers. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both way in." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "If I can be of use." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." that you can jump it.' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. gone before you can get him to hospital." said I. success. "And you can do nothing until then?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I have seen the police." exactly what you advise." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Frequently." light and attacked it." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the populous neighbourhood." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit